Police in training for prevention against violence and riots in March (Photo – EMG)

Myanmar has beefed up security measures and tightened control over travelling visa after reports of possible terrorist attacks in the country, according to Min Aung, Police Lt. Col. from Headquarter of Myanmar Police Force.

“We’ve been reported the terrorists are trying to enter the country and attempt bombing. So, we have ordered [regional police forces] to step up security measures. We must be always alert as they may wait for the chance to attack. Security has been tightened at the border checkpoints, too,” he said.

Indonesian terrorist Abu Bakar Bashir has recently called for a ‘jihad’ in Myanmar, rousing the mujahideens or the Islamic militants. This alerted the regional police to carry out necessary inspections in predominantly Muslim areas, Police Col. Hla Moe from Railway Police Department of Myanmar Police Force said.

“As the terrorists say they will wage jihad in Myanmar, we have to raise our security measures. We conduct inspections at the gates of and inside the city, said Mandalay Region Police Force’s Police Lt. Col. Tun Naing.

About 600 police are on duty every day. If anything happens in the area, units will reach there in no time to take action. The police have also been equipped to handle the bombs, he said.

Magway Region Government’s Director Min Yu Shein said Magway region is a white region– peaceful area and will not allow any terrorists’ attack to happen. “We are cooperating with the police informers and the police forces. The police and soldiers are now patrolling the region every day,” he said.

Immigration officers are also strictly scrutinizing the travelers’ visa. “We are checking the foreigners’ visa systematically in accordance with the international regulations. We closely monitor those on the black list,” said Than Naing Tun, an official from the Ministry of Immigration and Population.

Police Col. Mya Win said the authorities check entries at the city gates to be aware of the strangers in the area and also inspect the hotels and motels.

Police have been ordered to implement the plans to source timely news at every level, he added.